Growing up, Memorial Day meant a day off of school. Even after that, it became a paid day off of work and maybe a vacation to put the extended weekend to good use. A decent amount of the population may still look at Memorial Day in that light. But what did the rest of the country do while I was sipping an adult beverage with a tiny umbrella or making the turn on the golf course?

Memorial Day commemorates the military men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. With a Benchmark Email Memorial Day email template, you can remind your email lists why they get to enjoy their many privileges.

Here is a list of the different ways one can observe Memorial Day. Now even if you do have your toes buried in the sand this May 31st, you can pay your respects to those that gave their lives to enable you to do so.

Memorial Day Observances for Everybody

-Place flags or flowers on the gravestones of soldiers.

-Visit cemeteries and memorials.

-Fly the American flag at half-mast until noon local time.

-Fly the Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action flag.

-Observe a moment of silence at 3pm local time (though sometimes “Taps” is played during this time).

-You can also volunteer time or make donations to support widows and children of those lost in service.